Channel-Pattern Adjustments and Geomorphic Characteristics of Elkhead Creek,211 Colorado, 1937-97

摘要

This report identifies some likely causes of recent streambank erosion in lower211u001eElkhead Creek and provides information useful in guiding decisions about 211u001emitigation activities where appropriate. Specific objectives of the investigation 211u001einclude: (1) determine the history of channel-pattern adjustments and the rate of 211u001emeander-bend migration and cutoff before and since reservoir construction; (2) 211u001edetermine the contemporary depth of incision below the flood plain; (3) quantify 211u001ethe sediment characteristics of the streambed and the adjacent flood plain; (4) 211u001eexamine the relation between peak runoff and channel-pattern adjustments 211u001eresulting in streambank erosion; (5) determine whether these channel adjustments 211u001eare unique to the reach downstream from Elkhead Reservoir or are common to all 211u001emeandering reaches of lower Elkhead Creek; and (6) estimate the accumulation of 211u001ebedload-transported sediment in the Elkhead Reservoir deltaic deposit.